On August 1, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce celebrated Thomas A. Dee, President and CEO of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), as the 2024 Citizen of the Year at an event in his honor. Colleagues, friends, and family members gathered at the historic Everett Mansion to recognize Dee’s outstanding contributions to advance the southern Vermont economy and elevate community healthcare standards.

The Citizen of the Year award is presented annually by the Vermont Chamber to an individual who has made significant contributions to the betterment of Vermont, distinguished through exceptional service to their community and region, and epitomizes the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice that defines Vermont citizenship. Tom Dee has exemplified these qualities through his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the southwestern Vermont community.

“I’m humbled by this honor and grateful for the attention it brings to SVMC and the community of Bennington, which I call home,” said Tom Dee. “I have always strived to be a good steward of this health care system and, while I consider myself a small part of its more than 100-year history, I understand the crucial role we have in the communities we serve and in the State of Vermont. This has always motivated me to move SVMC forward and support our community, where I can.”

Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, also shared her thoughts on the occasion, saying, “Tom Dee embodies the finest ideals of Vermont citizenship. For 14 years, his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have significantly improved the local economy and elevated community healthcare standards. We are proud to honor Tom Dee as the 2024 Citizen of the Year and celebrate his exceptional leadership and commitment to community.”

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has been honoring outstanding Vermonters with the Citizen of the Year award since 1964. Previous recipients include Senator Patrick Leahy, Barbara Snelling, Antonio Pomerleau, and Ken Squier. This year’s celebration was a testament to Tom Dee’s remarkable contributions and his enduring legacy in Vermont. This event was supported by these generous sponsors: rk Miles, Casella, Farrell Distributing, The Richards Group, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Mack Molding, and The Putnam Redevelopment Group